Enjoy the sweet and savory delicious flavor of this Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe that you can whip up right on your stove whenever you’re craving takeout.
If you like easy stovetop chicken recipes, then you'll love this sesame chicken.
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On a busy night, it can be so tempting to cave and order Chinese takeout. But it’s so easy, and did I mention how delicious it is? This sesame chicken is a healthier version of a Chinese takeout classic, and it can be made just as quick as the delivered stuff!
Since the chicken is cut into small pieces, it cooks really fast. And since this is essentially a stir fry recipe, it is far healthier than deep frying.
In my opinion, the star of the dish is the incredible sesame chicken sauce. It is SO good! You can whip up this easy weeknight meal for your family in no time.
❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
- I love that the sesame sauce is packed full of flavor from the fresh garlic, sesame oil, and fresh ginger.
- Since the chicken is stir-fried in the pan instead of breaded and deep-fried, it is definitely healthier.
- Most of all I love that this is basically a 20-minute recipe!
🧂 Ingredients
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- boneless skinless chicken breasts OR chicken thighs
- cornstarch
- sesame oil
- soy sauce
- honey
- fresh ginger and fresh garlic
- sesame seeds
- salt and pepper
- scallions (for garnish)
🔪Instructions
This is meant to be a brief overview of our healthy honey sesame chicken recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.
- Combine honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Next, combine the chicken, cornstarch, and salt and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat.
- Add oil and chicken to pan and stir-fry.
- Add the sauce and allow it to simmer until the sauce is thick and sticky.
- Remove chicken from pan, top with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Non-stick or Cast Iron Skillet
- Serving Dish
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💭 Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions (and answers!) readers often ask about this healthy sesame chicken recipe and the delectable sesame sauce!
General Tso's Chicken is spicier and has more heat than sesame chicken.
1 teaspoon of fresh minced ginger can be replaced with ½ teaspoon of ground ginger.
Fresh ginger is full of healthy antioxidants. It's also great for an upset tummy or nausea.
The chicken itself has about 21 grams of protein in each serving. If you're watching what you eat, keep in mind that additions of noodles or rice will add carbohydrates.
Both are unsaturated fats, which are a healthier option.
Grapeseed, canola, and sunflower oil are good alternatives to sesame oil.
📖 Variations
Personally, I think that this yummy chicken in savory sesame sauce is the best sesame chicken recipe. We recommend that you try our recipe for the first time just as it is written for the best results because that is how the recipe has been tested.
However, the next time you make it, you might consider one of these different ways of making this great recipe.
- For a spicier dish, add 1 teaspoon (or more) of sriracha for some heat. You can also add a drizzle of chili garlic sauce or a little bit of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you don't have sriracha on hand.
- I love using fresh ginger, but don't always have it in the fridge. You can substitute ½ teaspoon ground ginger for the fresh ginger in this recipe.
- Sesame oil really helps drive home the sesame flavor, but you can substitute olive oil or avocado oil if you don't have any in your pantry.
- Substitute brown sugar for the honey.
- For an even healthier dish, stir fry carrots, broccoli, water chestnuts, or even green beans, and then mix it in with the juicy chicken and sweet sauce. It's a great addition to the meal.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this with wide lo mein noodles, however, you can serve it with cauliflower rice or brown rice instead of noodles for a healthier option. It's great with zucchini noodles or white rice, and also great with lightly steamed broccoli, water chestnuts, or sautéed snow peas also.
Extra sesame seeds on top with some finely chopped green onions make for a pretty presentation. You could also add a little drizzle of hot honey or sesame oil on top.
Add a batch of my Baked Eggrolls with Pork and Veggies for a full take-out at home meal!
⏲️ Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
😋 Similar Recipes
Next time, try one of these tasty and easy recipes:
- Instant Pot Orange Chicken - The Chinese take-out classic you remember, but easier and more affordable!
- Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken - This is the perfect make ahead meal for busy weeknights.
- Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli - Need an easy weeknight dinner? This is it.
- Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken - The slow cooker makes this one especially easy and delicious.
- Honey Butter Chicken - An easy 30-minute meal that is as flavorful as it is easy.
- Salt and Pepper Chicken - You'll love this super quick and easy meal that's full of bold flavor you can only get from Chinese 5-spice.
📋 Healthy Sesame Chicken Recipe
Not ready to make this yummy chicken recipe yet? Don’t forget to pin the recipe for later! When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures! And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!
Healthy Sesame Chicken
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Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts OR chicken thighs cut into ½ inch strips or cubes
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 pinch each salt & pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Small bunch spring onions scallions chopped
For the Sauce
- 3 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and sesame oil in a small bowl.1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 Tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated, 1 clove garlic minced, 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
- Next, combine the chicken, cornstarch, and salt and pepper in a separate bowl.1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts OR chicken thighs, 2 Tablespoons cornstarch, 1 pinch each salt & pepper
- Heat a large skillet over high heat.
- Add oil and chicken to pan and stir-fry.
- Add the sauce and allow it to simmer until the sauce is thick and sticky.
- Remove chicken from pan, top with chopped spring onions and additional sesame seeds, if you like.Small bunch spring onions scallions
- Serve over rice or noodles.
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Lindy says
I can't believe I'm the first person to leave a review on this chicken recipe because it is AMAZING. I probably make it 2-3 times a month and my whole family love it. Thank you for such a yummy weeknight dish!